Ramona Oaks Road: Safety, Beauty, and Fire Prevention in Action
The HOA is enhancing safety and fire prevention along Ramona Oaks Road by removing hazardous trees, improving visibility, and redesigning medians with drought-tolerant plantings and new Crepe Myrtle trees, with completion expected by summer 2026.
SDCEA and the Landscape and Open Space Team is making big strides in fire safety while creating a more beautiful, welcoming entrance along Ramona Oaks Road.
Following a thorough safety review, crews identified overhanging and unbalanced tree limbs that posed risks to evacuation routes. Many pine trees, 17 out of 22, were removed due to age, structural weakness, and years without proper pruning. Three diseased pepper trees with hollow interiors were also removed, along with overgrown junipers that blocked drivers’ views at intersections. The good news? Five pines were saved with targeted pruning, and over 200 healthy trees remain along the roadway.
This project opened the door to a complete median redesign with safety and aesthetics in mind. Low-growing, drought-tolerant plants are being placed well back from intersections to improve visibility. Phase 1 will feature the planting of 20 vibrant Crepe Myrtle trees, accompanied by boulders and architectural accents that reflect the natural beauty of our surrounding landscape. These enhancements tie in with other recent improvements, including the Clubhouse entry, San Vicente Park, pool areas, and community signs.
Best of all, the work is being done in-house by our talented Landscape crew and fully funded within the department’s existing budget. Phase 2 will continue into next year, with the full project set for completion by summer 2026. The result: a safer evacuation route, clearer sightlines for drivers, and a renewed sense of pride in the place we call home.
Photos by Nancy Zadrozny.
